Nice Style, At Length

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday July 19, 2008

Jaedene Hudson & Joshua Dowling

The car Mini Cooper S Clubman

The price From $43,200

Vital statistics Turbocharged 1.6-litre, four-cylinder with six-speed auto or six-speed manual.

Consumption and emissions 6.3L/100km and 150g/km

HE Mini has stretched its latest model to create a car called the Clubman. As with the regular Mini, it is available with a choice of a basic engine and a performance engine. We tested the turbocharged Cooper S. Given its size, it probably should be called the middy. I can see the appeal of a roomier cabin and an extra door but doesn't the extra length detract from its park-anywhere-ability?

SHE The Clubman is only an extra 293mm longer. It is a Mini station wagon of sorts, modelled on the 1960s Mini Traveller van, even down to the barn-style rear doors.

HE But surely if you wanted a wagon, you'd want a bigger car than this. Also if a wagon is designed to appeal to families, why on earth did Mini allow the rear side door to open on the traffic side in right-hand-drive markets.

SHE Yeah, there was a bit of controversy about that when the car was revealed in August last year. Mini is owned by German car maker BMW, which means it is built primarily for the European and American left-hand-drive markets.

HE So why haven't they moved the door to the other side for right-hand-drive markets?

SHE Apparently BMW would not spend the extra money to refit the fuel tank to the other side to make room for the rear door.

HE So does that mean Mini cares only about the safety of families and young children in left-hand-drive countries?

SHE That is a bit harsh but if I was a parent it would be a concern for me. Wherever possible, you want to let your kids out on the footpath side of the car. Mini says the rear door can be opened only once the driver is out of the car so they can supervise children getting out of the car.

HE But that is still ridiculous. You are putting the backseat passengers out on the traffic side of the car.

SHE It is worth noting that rear passengers can get out on the footpath side through the front door - it is just not as convenient.

HE We have probably talked about the door enough. Perhaps we should talk about how the car drives?

SHE I can honestly say I really enjoyed driving this car.

HE But you are a Mini fanatic ...

SHE Yes, but for some reason I enjoyed it more than the regular hatch. I even asked Mini if they had tweaked this car because it felt quicker than the hatch. What did you think?

HE It definitely felt more toey than other Minis I have tested. But to me the biggest difference was the way it drove. It is amazing what eight extra centimetres between the front and rear wheels has done to improve the ride comfort over bumps. I find the regular Mini almost unbearable but this one was much more comfortable.

SHE I totally agree. It is a lot more comfortable but doesn't seem to lose any of its handling.

HE So do you reckon it will sell?

SHE I think it will appeal to those who need a bit of extra space and want something that stands out in the traffic.

HE I liked it but I still have a problem with the fact there is no spare tyre and the supply of replacement run-flat tyres is still patchy - I know of a few Mini drivers who have been stranded on the weekend because of a flat. And then of course there is the price. For $45,000-plus, I would be inclined to be practical. I can't go past the Golf GTI in this class.

SHE I really love the Golf GTI but would probably listen to my heart with this one and go with the Mini.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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